TSA testing tighter security for carry-on bags at 10 U.S. airports

The Transportation Security Administration said Wednesday it is testing enhanced security measures at 10 airports in the United States that target electronics lager than cellphones, as well as other items. File Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI | License Photo

May 24 (UPI) — The Transportation Security Administration has been testing what it calls enhanced security procedures for carry-on bags at several airports in the United States, the agency said Wednesday.

The TSA public affairs office said the tighter security screening for luggage in the passenger cabin is being tested at 10 airports in the country, but did not identify which facilities are part of the plan.

Electronic devices larger than a cellphone are one of the main focuses of the intensified screening.

“Over the past year, TSA has been adjusting screening procedures at select U.S. airports on a trial basis in an effort to improve screener performance at the checkpoint,” the agency said in a statement. “Travelers at select test locations may be asked to place certain electronics and other items in a separate bin for screening in an effort to de-clutter baggage.”

Depending on the results, the TSA said it may expand the enhanced procedures to other U.S. airports.

“As we have said time and again, TSA continuously enhances and adjusts security screening procedures, both seen and unseen, to maintain the highest levels of security,” its statement said.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the TSA, said Wednesday that the increased security has nothing to do with a decision in March to ban carry-on electronics on U.S.-bound flights from 10 countries in the Middle East and Africa.

“This is not nationwide, nor related to current restrictions on large electronic devices for passengers to the U.S. from 10 overseas airports,” DHS said in a tweet.

The TSA emphasized Wednesday that the new security does not impact which items passengers are allowed to carry on commercial flights.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here